Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition that involves the inflammation of the gums, and it can progress to affect the bone responsible for supporting your teeth. It is caused by a sticky substance called plaque that is constantly forming on your teeth, and without proper dental hygiene, this plaque can create bacteria that will infect your gums and teeth. Proper dental care and checkups with Dr. Rust can help to prevent periodontal disease.

Gum Disease Symptoms

In the earliest stages of gum disease, you may not notice any symptoms, so you might be surprised to find out from Dr. Rust that you have it. Here are some of the most common warning signs that you can look for:

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Sore, swollen, and red gums

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Gums that will bleed easily

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A bad taste in your mouth or chronic bad breath

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Gums that have moved away from the teeth

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Separating or loose teeth

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Changes in the way your partial dentures fit

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Changes in your bite

Certain factors can also increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, including diabetes, pregnancy, and smoking.

Stages of Gum Disease

There are three stages of gum disease of which you should be aware, and treatment options are different depending on which stage you are battling:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, and it involves gum inflammation that is caused when plaque buildups at the gum line. Daily brushing and flossing should remove this plaque, but if it doesn’t, toxins can be produced that irritate the gums. This is called gingivitis, and you may notice bleeding when you do complete your dental hygiene routine. At this initial stage of gum disease, the damage can be revered because the connective tissue and bone have not been affected.

Periodontitis

During this stage of gum disease, the fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth into place will be irreversibly damaged. The gums may start to form pockets under the gum line, and plaque and food can be trapped here. Improved home care and frequent dental checkups could help to prevent the damage from getting worse.

Advanced Periodontitis

This is the last stage of gum disease, and the bone and fibers that support the teeth have been destroyed. The result can be teeth that loosen or shift, which can impact your bite. If aggressive dental treatment isn’t able to save them, your teeth may need to be removed.

Treating Gum Disease

Treatment for periodontal disease will depend on the stage and your symptoms. In the early stages, periodontal disease can usually be reversed with proper dental hygiene. Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping plaque from building up. Professional dental cleanings are also necessary in order to remove plaque that has accumulated and formed a hard substance called tartar. Dr. Rust will clean your teeth to rid them of tartar found both below and above the gum line. If your periodontal disease is severe, root planning may be needed in order to smooth the irregularities of the tooth roots to make it harder for plaque to accumulate there.